Real Madrid have signed Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to fill the void left by long-term number one Iker Casillas after his move to Porto.

Real Madrid had a €4m bid for Casilla turned down earlier this week but are thought to have finally agreed to a deal for around €6m, confirming the move on their website.

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid will also send under-19 starlet Marco Asensio the other way on loan as part of the deal. Casilla is expected to fight it out with Costa Rica international Keylor Navas for the number one spot next season before Manchester United's David de Gea joins the club on a free transfer next summer.

It promises to be an emotional return to the Bernabeu for Casilla, who spent several years with the club as a trainee before leaving for Espanyol in 2007.

Real had hoped to sign the Spanish international this summer but Manchester United have said they will not do a deal unless Sergio Ramos moves in the other direction.

With new head coach Rafa Benitez ruling that possibility out, Real are now prepared to wait to get their man.

This move all but confirms that David de Gea will be staying at Manchester United for one more season before making a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer. The challenge for Casilla and Navas is now to fight it out for the right to become the club's long-term backup.

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